Ask a grown-up: who invented clothes?

A long, long time ago, Wilma Flintstone wore some absolutely darling dresses. Photograph: Rex Features

Clothes have been around for a very long time. Even in The Flintstones, which is set a very, very, very long time ago, Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble wear some absolutely darling dresses, hair accessories and even the occasional swimsuit.

No one knows who was the first person to invent clothing, but at some point in the very distant past, your ancestors and mine decided to put on some animal skins to keep themselves warm. But more important than learning who invented clothes is figuring out what new thing are you going to do with clothes. Perhaps you will wear a brightly patterned, long-sleeved shirt under a neon floral dress? Maybe you will wear ballet slippers with dungarees? Or you could wear a Snow White costume with a pair of wellingtons. Clothes have been around a long time, but there is so much more to do with them. I'm more interested in what you will do with your dress, Harriet, than who invented it.